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Rossi tips Juve, Napoli for Serie A success

5 September 2012 20:10

Delio Rossi has revealed he expects the 2012/13 Serie A championship to be fought out by Juventus and Napoli.

In an interview with Corriere dello Sport on Wednesday, the former Lazio and Lecce boss explained that the superiority of the Supercoppa finalists sees them lead the way in the Italian top flight, and gave special mention to Fiorentina, his former club, and Roma.

"The two most complete teams I have seen are Juventus and Napoli," Rossi said. "They both followed a strict philosophy.

"Napoli took a certain type of young player, and that will come in handy not only now but also in the future.

"Juventus have always targeted players who are already 'built'.

"Fiorentina did the only thing they could do - initiate a total revolution. Roma have also recruited well."

Rossi was sacked by Fiorentina in May following a much-publicised conflict with Adem Ljajic in a 2-0 defeat to Novara, where he proceeded to punch the Serbian midfielder.

But while the trainer accepts his actions were misguided, he said the context should not be underplayed.

"I miss the coaching aspect - seeing young men grow day by day. Sundays were the result of what you did (in training) during the week," Rossi said.

"I did something bad, which is not to be repeated, but it was at least understandable, if not justifiable, in the heat of the moment.

"I repeat, I am wrong but the fact remains that the bitterness has given me a certain ease of judgment. Personally, I avoid jumping to conclusions without knowing the facts."